"No reports of sexual harassment and no organized concealment"
"As the chief secretary at the time, I will take responsibility"
Gaseyeon also announces legal action
Former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon's ex-secretary Kim Joo-myung, who is suspected of aiding sexual harassment, is appearing on the morning of the 13th at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for related investigation. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Kim Joo-myung, former Chief Secretary to the Seoul Mayor, who was accused of aiding and abetting sexual harassment by the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, stated that there was no organizational aid and abetment of sexual harassment within the Seoul City government and that he never heard the victim’s complaints about sexual harassment.
Kim, the former Chief Secretary (currently Director of the Seoul Lifelong Education Promotion Institute), after completing the accused investigation at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the afternoon of the 13th, told reporters, "During my tenure, I never heard any complaints about sexual harassment," and added, "I did not tolerate any organizational aid and abetment." When asked whether he refused the victim’s transfer request, he replied, "I have no record of receiving any transfer request."
The victim’s side stated at the second press conference held on the 22nd of last month that "the victim had spoken to nearly 20 current and former secretaries over more than four years requesting a transfer due to sexual harassment grievances, but the work system, with the mayor at its apex, was a powerful structure that enforced silence."
Regarding the sexual harassment by former Mayor Park, Kim said, "I still do not know the details and hope the truth will be uncovered quickly," adding, "I continue to engage in critical reflection, but so far, I have no facts that I am aware of." He further explained, "I have submitted personal materials I had, and if additional materials are needed, I will submit them." On learning about the sexual harassment allegations against former Mayor Park, he said, "I found out through media reports."
Kim also stated in a position paper released that day, "If there is any responsibility I must bear as the Chief Secretary at the time, I will take it seriously," and "I sincerely cooperated with the police investigation today and explained all matters based on what I know and have experienced." Referring to the victim of former Mayor Park’s sexual harassment as the complainant, he said, "I hope the complainant will get through this difficult and dark tunnel, regain peace of mind, and that baseless criticism or malicious secondary harm will not occur."
Kim also announced legal action against the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (Gaseyeon), which accused him. He said, "Gaseyeon slandered me and other secretariat staff as if we had systematically neglected, aided, and abetted sexual harassment based solely on vague speculation and rumors," and explained, "We will take strict civil and criminal legal measures against Gaseyeon, which filed politically motivated accusations without any evidence."
Earlier last month, the YouTube channel Gaseyeon filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against Seoul city officials for aiding and abetting forced sexual harassment through abuse of authority. The accused include former Chief Secretary Kim, Acting Mayor Seo Jeong-hyeop, former Chief Secretaries Ko Han-seok and Oh Seong-gyu, and Democratic Party lawmaker Heo Young. The police are expected to conduct summons investigations of these individuals soon. This is the first time an accused investigation has been conducted regarding this matter.
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